Description
Succulent Mediterranean “Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta” delivers ocean-fresh flavors dancing through silky noodles. Rich cheese and tender shrimp create a luxurious dinner experience you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Pasta and Main Components:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture, then drain and reserve.
- Sear shrimp in a hot skillet with olive oil, cooking until they turn vibrant pink and achieve a delicate golden edge, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until aromatic and lightly golden, releasing its intense flavor profile.
- Create the sauce foundation by combining heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking together to form a smooth liquid. Allow mixture to gently simmer and reduce, thickening for 3-5 minutes.
- Enhance sauce with Italian seasoning, incorporating red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Season with salt and pepper to balance flavors.
- Lower heat and gradually melt mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses into the sauce, stirring continuously until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Reunite pasta and shrimp with the creamy cheese sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating of each ingredient.
- Plate the dish, crowning with freshly chopped parsley as a vibrant, aromatic garnish.
Notes
- Choose fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor, ensuring they are deveined and peeled before cooking.
- Remove shrimp from heat immediately after turning pink to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
- Control the spice level by adjusting red pepper flakes, adding more for heat lovers or omitting for a milder dish.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg